Fortune-telling device



Sept. 24, 1929. G. B. WIMSATT FORTUNE TELLING DEVICE Original Filed April 10, 1928 2 Sheets-Sheet Invent or: v @T 444/ ar Sept. 24, 1929. G. B. WIMSATT FORTUNE TELLING DEVICE} Original Filed April 10, 1928 "2 Sheets-Sheet 2 Patented Sept. 24, 1929 UNITED STATES PATENT rrics FORTUNE-TELLING DEVICE Application filed April 10, 1928, Serial No. 268,842. Renewed August 12, 1929.

My present invention relates to a novel method and apparatus for forecasting the future, based on selection and analysis of certain Chinese symbols, emblems, and patterns that have been in use for centuries by the Chinese to anticipate good or evil fortune.

I preferably use a cup and saucer, each having indicating symbols, to forecast the future. A selected number of symbols are distributed over the inside of the cup, each symbol indicating a delini te future condition.

On the outside of the cup is the figure of Lu Tung Pin, the patron genius of fortune tellers, with his famous sword, the demon slayer,

and his fly-whisk, the cloud sweeper, accompanied by the live red bats of happiness. The saucer is bordered with the twelve cyclical animals of Chinese geomancy.

The manner of use of my improved apparatus will be more evident from the follow ing detailed description in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein Fig. 1 is a view of the tea cup and saucer;

Fig. 2 is a development of the inside of the tea cup;

Fig. 3 is a plan View of the tea cup bottom, inside;

Fig 4 is a plan view of the saucer; and

Fig. 5 is a development of the outside of the tea cup.

The tea cup Distributed within the tea cup 10 are 37 symbols or emblems 11, each designatin a to definite future occurrence 0r fortune.

The symbols and their meanings are as follows:

1. The golden solar coclr, in the case of a man, represents the man himself, and in the case of a woman, represents the man paramount in her destiny, usually a husband or a lover.

2. The lunar hare, in the case of a woman, represents the woman herself, and in the case of a man, represents the woman paramount in his destiny, usually a wife, or a sweetheart.

8. The string of cash. The string of cash, or Chinese coins, is of pecuniary significance, announcing smaller sums of money coming as gifts, bonuses, or unexpected dividends. These are the coins seen in the hand of Liu Hai, the money god.

4. The boat. A small sampan, indicating a voyage by water.

5. The wheel. The wheel of a Chinese cart, indicating a ourney by land.

6. The wasp. A symbol of annoyances and mishaps, rather than great misfortunes. The wasp portends minor accidents, losses by theft or gambling, slight illnesses and dis appointments; in particular it stresses accidents and losses.

7. The arrow. News of, or the return of friends long absent and unheard of, and th securing of information long sought.

8. The fox. An evil omen. The fox is a demon who works mischief to man, involving him in difliculties of all sorts on a large scale. The fox portends law suits,,disappointments in cherished projects, loss of public esteem, and failure in office. The fox, however, is unable to affect the upright person, and can exercise his malevolence only on persons whose own conduct puts them at fault. The wrongdoer has reason to fear this symbol; the upright person need not be disturbed by the appearance of this symbol in his fortune.

9. The bamboo. Good health, soundness of mind and body, relief from anxieties and recovery from illness.

10. The Chinese pen. The Chinese pen, or writing brush, speaks success in literary work, classical studies, and academic ambitions. Also of association with literary, scientific and learned persons.

11. The three legged frog. This, like the string of cash, is one of the emblems of Liu Hai, the money god, who is often represented as standing on the back of his three legged frog, the Chin Chan. The frog is popular with bankers, money changers, merchants and tradesmen, indicating as it does, successful money making through investment, business or trade.

12. The sword. A very ancient though unfavorable symbol, indicating quarrels, disputes, rivalries and strife among close friends.

The two edges of the sword are envy and greed.

13. The flowery deer. An emblem beloved by officials. The deer foretells promotion in office emoluments, and high salary.

1 1. The peony. The flower of summer, indicating expanding opportunity, gain, happy fortune. It also tells of happenings taking place within the summer season.

15. The paired fish. A very old and common Chinese symbol indicating a happy and harmonious marriage, peace in the home, a well matched husband and wife.

16. The cicada. A symbol of dawning happiness, joy and love. "it often points to the beginning of an affection for a suitable and mutually loving person.

17. The musical stones, or Ching. This most felicitous symbol, with its implication of certain attainment of double good fortune, gives assurance of some extraordinary stroke of luck.

18. The Mandarin ducks, or Yuan Yang. The Yuan Yang, or paired teal, occur fre quently in both the art and the poetry of China, always telling of constant love and unchanging affection.

19. The tortoise. This is one of the four mystical creatures, a highly esteemed group including besides the tortoise the dragon, the Phoenix, and the Chi Lin. The tortoise is the emblem of long life and a peaceful old age.

20. The vase. Presents, especially gifts I and tokens from the loved one.

21. The feathers. The quills of the wild goose are symbolic of letters from a friend. The feathers indicate here not only letters, but, also, telegrams, cables, telephone messages and other messages from friends, and especially from lovers.

22. The jar. Secrets, which are either kept from others by the fortune-seeker, or from the fortune-seeker by others, according to the indications of surrounding symbols.

23. The ceremonial scepter, or Jui-T. All according to your wish, is the message of this most fortunate symbol, bringing assurance of the gratification of the fortune-seekers dearest wish.

24:. The prunus blossom. A favorite symbol with the Chinese is the prunus blossom, often called the hawthorne by foreigners. This flower, opening before the snow is off the ground, is the first harbinger of spring. It heralds the return of better times, of obstacles overcome, of hard conditions amelio rated, and of recovery from depression and despondency.

25. The fingered citron, or hand of Buddha. A. symbol portending great happiness which is neither expected norstriven for, a gift of the gods.

26. The pomegranate. Because of its many seeds the pomegranate symbolizes nany sons, numerous children. It f'oretells an increase in the family, whether by the birth of children, or by the return of absent members of the family, or additions to the family by the coming of relatives by blood or by marriage.

27., The star. New friends, and in particular new friends who will enrich the fortune seekers life and advance his prospects.

28. The scorpion. This is one of the malevolent five poisonous creatures. The scorpion indicates envy, malice, scandal, harmful gossip, suspicions, fears and phobias.

29. The lizard. Portends changes in the fortune-seekers environment, in his work. and in his opinions, as Well as change in his place of residence.

30. The sycee, or silver shoe. Silver bullion cast in this shape is called sycee, or shoe of silver. It is a common symbol of wide application. The sycee indicates money in larger sums than those promised by the string of cash, an inheritance, a bequest, money inherited from a. relative or friend.

31. The .centipede. Another of the noxious creatures. ft foretells vexations and annoyances caused to the fortune-seeker by others, and without his consent or participation.

32. The drinking cups. Rhinoceros horn drinking cups were anciently used at banquets when the ruler of a state entertained visiting princes. The drinking horns symbolize festivities and celebrations, hence, the announcing of an engagement.

33. The broken fan. The separation of lovers, the estrangement of husband and wife, the breaking of an attachment.

34. The snake. Gambling losses, losses hrough the perfidy of friends, betrayal of confidences and secrets. Warns the fortuneseeker not to confide in anyone.

35. The melon. The division of an estate, the apportioning of property, the attainment of considerable wealth.

36. The owl. This bird, of ill repute with the Chinese, speaks of family strife, of quarrels between husband and wife, of discord in the home.

37. The dragon-fly. The dragon-fly indicates joyous and harmless festivities, the pleasures of youth, and carefree happiness.

On the outside of the tea cup is a figure 12 depicting Lu Tung Pin, one of the mystic eight immortals of Taoist Lore, the patron genius of fortune tellers, with his famous sword 13, the demon slayer, and his fly-whisk 14, the cloud sweeper. Accompanying Lu Tung Pin are the five red bats of happiness.

The sauce?" In the center of the saucer 15 is shown the Tai Chi, the ultimate extreme, a symbol of supreme importance in Taoist cosmogany, representing the union of Yang, the dark, and Yin, the light, the male and female principles of nature from which all things have evolved.

Bordering the saucer are the twelve cyclical animals, of Chinese geomancy,'16. When primarily used for augury, referring to the twelve heavenly bodies and the ten earthly stems, each of the animals influences an entire year; but for divination with the present invention each animal dominates but a single month.

The twelve cyclical animals and the general trend of future each designates are as follows:

1. The ox. Not much change in location or business, steady though uneventful progress.

2. The rat. Small annoyances, trifling losses by theft, accident or carelessness, e2;- travagances and expenses.

The dog. Threatened dangers are averted, friends are faithful and helpful, a disappointment is mitigated.

4. The tiger. Sudden misfortunes, change of plans, business depression.

5. The dragon. Unlooked-for success, an ambition realized, prosperity and abundance.

6. The monkey. Gaiety and festivities, merry parties and congenial companions.

7. The horse. A change of residence, progress in business contentment.

8. The goat. Increase in wealth, health, and happiness.

9. The cock. New enterprise, strange activities.

10. The serpent. Secret enmities, betrayals of confidence, hatred, suspicions.

11. The hare. Pleasant association, ease of mind, lightness of heart.

12. The pig. Anxieties, worries, frustrations and despondency, often without substantial grounds for depression.

Method of telling fortunes Tea is poured into the cup, without straining, or, better still, the tea is made by pouring boiling water upon a quarter of a teaspoonful of tea leaves placed in the bottom of the cup.

The consultor, or penson who wishes his fortune told, drinks the tea, swirls the cup about in his hand three times, and inverts it in the saucer, thus drawing off any drops of surplus liquid in the cup.

The diviner, or fortune teller, now notes toward which of the twelve cyclical animals in the saucer the fly-whisk of Lu Tung Pin points. This determines the general tone of the consultors fortune for the next lunar month.

This point having been ascertained, the saucer is disregarded, the diviner bearing in mind that the general, or monthly indication must be considered and modified in accordance with the tea cup indications. Thus an unfavorable saucer prognostication will often be greatly modified by a lucky cup.

Having read the general forecast for the month, the diviner now looks into the cup, noting how the tea leaves are disposed in regard to the small figures 11 on the inside of the cup. In reading the indications, a tea leaf directly on the symbol refers to the consultor, a tea leaf close to, or touching the symbol, refers to someone closely connected with the consultor, a lover, near relative, or friend.

A tea leaf on the upper part of the symbol refers to the present, or the past; on the middle or lower part, to the future. Large leaves indicate a greater degree of fortune than small leaves.

In reading a fortune, the diviner should take into consideration the sex, temperament, state of life, and natural aptitudes of the consultor, harmonizing the events and incidents indicated with the probabilities surrounding the consultor. Thus, if the consultor be a woman, then a leaf on the solar cook 17 indicates a lover or husband, constant, devoted, and true, while a tea leaf on the lunar hare 18 signifies that the consultor, himself is in love.

Similarly, if the eonsultor be a man, a tea leaf on the lunar hare 18 indicates a constant, devoted and loving sweetheart or Wife, while a leaf on the solar cock 17 reveals that the consultor, himself, is in love.

Example of fortune forecast The consultor having drunk his tea, and inverted the cup, the diviner notes that the fl'y-whisk of Lu Tung Pin points to the monkey, thus foretelling a month of jollity, including, most probably, a vacation from work, a change of scene, and various entertainments.

The diviner now consults the inside of the cup, and finds tea leaves directly on the Wheel,

the paired fish, the feathers, and the melon, with several. small leaves near the arrows, and others close to the star, the tortoise, and dlragon-fiy. He reads the consultors fortune tins:

The tea leaf on the wheel indicates that you are about to go on a journey, by land. You are called on this ourney by letters (the feathers) which you have received. Leaves near the arrows show that you will soon be in the company of friends whom you have not seen for some time. The dragon-fly points to the prospect of festivities, merriment, and enjoyment. During this period of entertainment you will make new friends who will influence your future and be of great servlce to you later on. The paired fish foretell a happy and harmonious mar-riage, and the melon reveals that you will receive a considerable sum of money through the division of an estate, 01 other property.

I claim:

1. In combination, a fortune telling ele ment having a series of forecasting symbols thereon, a second element movable With respect to said first element having a fixed indicator for indicating a specific symbol of said first set, and a second set of forecasting symbols, whereby relative movement of tne second element to the first element causes the fixed indicator to designate a specific symbol on the first element for telling a. fortune, which fortune is modified by a reading of the symbols on said second element.

2. In combination, a saucer, fortune indieating symbols thereom a tea cup fortune indicating symbols on the inside of the tea cup. and a fixed indicating means on the outside of the tea cup, whereby inverting 29 the cup on the saucer causes the said indicator to specifically designate a fortune telling symbol on said saucer.

In testimony whereof I ai'llX my signature.

GENEVIEVE B. WiMsiiTT. 

